Click to play videoNew Delhi: The Lokpal Bill to tackle corruption almost got hijacked on Thursday over the issue of reservation for minorities. Pressure from RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh forced the government to bring back the minority quota in the nine member Lokpal.
But now the BJP is upset over the issue. Experts too say it could be deemed unconstitutional.
That's because the draft that was leaked much before it was tabled left out the line on reservation for minorities. The government finally gave in to the Yadavs.
"I am thankful to the government for including it." Lalu Yadav said.
The BJP says reservation for minorities in Lokpal is unconstitutional.
Legal eagles are also questioning this reservation.
"I don't know how minorities come in here. The whole purpose of reservation of minorities is to empower them. Lokpal is to tackle corruption. I think it's a red herring," Former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee said.
The Muslims leaders don't agree to the Opposition.
"The leader of Opposition is diluting issue, confusing article 15 and 16. If that is the case then how would you allow provisions for women in the Bill," MIM president Sad-ud-din Owaisi said.
However, the government knows that the move will not be supported by the BJP and it will move for amendments.
The much controversial Lokpal Bill will now be taken up for discussion and passing next week. It's only then that the Bill will be discussed threadbare but going by the scenes one witnessed on Thursday it's perhaps not difficult to foresee the heat that is likely to be generated in Parliament parallel to Anna's agitation in Mumbai.
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